08 Jeep Compass ABS, ESPBAS,Traction control lights on. Whats the problem
ABS, ESP BAS, Traction control lights on, what's wrong?
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2008 Jeep Compass Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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In 2007, Jeep introduced the Compass to break into the car-based SUV market represented by Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Jeep chose the Patriot platform, which derives from the Mitsubishi-developed Dodge Caliber. They powered the Compass with an engine sourced from the DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi/Hyundai global engine family. The results are mixed. The 2008 model has few changes.
The Compass measures 7.7 inches shorter than Toyota's RAV4, yet it can seat 5. But there isn't as much cargo space (less than the Ford Escape, RAV4 and even the much smaller Hyundai Tucson), and the interior plastics are of the hard type. Yet, the ride comfort makes for a "tossable" good handling experience.
Most reviewers, however, fault the engine and CVT (continuously variable transmission) for not being up to the standards of the class competition. The 2.4-liter I4 makes 172 hp at 6,000 rpm. Reviewers complain that the CVT seems to soak up most of that power, leaving the engine screaming at 6,000 rpm under any type of serious acceleration. EPA claims 23-25 city and 26-29 highway, but one reviewer observed 19.5 mpg. 0-60 came up very slowly at 10.2 seconds. On-ramp excursions seemed to be of the teeth-clenching type, with the engine madly revving and the approaching traffic bearing down. The manual 5-speed was the preferred choice of available transmissions.
There are two trim lines and the optional "Freedom 1" full-time all-wheel-drive system that includes a locking center differential, but it is not a trail-rated system like the one on the Patriot. Jeep recommends its Freedom 1 system for daily use, including snow and rain conditions. Standard safety equipment includes brake assisted antilock brakes, electronic stability control with roll mitigation and front and side-curtain air bags.
Jeep projects that 60% of the market for the Compass will be females looking for an urban Jeep-type vehicle. However, the Japanese competition offers more refinement, though at slightly higher entry prices.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Jeep Compass
Write a reviewUser rating:
by scott n
Oct 22, 2023
Great service and commitment to help me find a good fit for a vehicle. Vera Motors worked with me on a price that we both were happy with. A solid 4x4 seems a no-brainer for Minnesota winters. Oct 22, 2023
by Joshua P
Mar 14, 2022
Poor car with a big issue this model has really bad links to the tire meaning it will fall off while driving and brake making it not work the money when it comes to how much you will be spending on the repairs every year Mar 14, 2022
by william r
Aug 12, 2021
Price range what I was looking t, and body styleAug 12, 2021
User rating:
by scott n
Oct 22, 2023
Great service and commitment to help me find a good fit for a vehicle. Vera Motors worked with me on a price that we both were happy with. A solid 4x4 seems a no-brainer for Minnesota winters. Oct 22, 2023
by Joshua P
Mar 14, 2022
Poor car with a big issue this model has really bad links to the tire meaning it will fall off while driving and brake making it not work the money when it comes to how much you will be spending on the repairs every year Mar 14, 2022
by william r
Aug 12, 2021
Price range what I was looking t, and body styleAug 12, 2021
by Karen Anderson D
Jan 13, 2021
car runs and drives great.good price recomebd the jeep compusJan 13, 2021
by Anonymous
Jan 29, 2015
Great vehicle for a younger person. Auto 6 CD changer plays hours of uninterrupted tunes. Automatic transmission with manual (stick) is fun to drive and makes hills or passing a breeze. Just wish it was quieter, too much road noise for an old person like me.Jan 29, 2015
by Brittany T
Jan 28, 2013
I like that it has gave me no problems for the 2 years i had hear. There has been nonthing but likes about this car. I dislike how its not an 4wd. Kinda sucks in the winter, but overall its an true great car.Jan 28, 2013
by Seth D
Apr 21, 2012
My Jeep Compass is a hideous baby blue but it has a great Chrysler inline 4 cylinder
engine that is efficient and very reliable. My version has a 5 speed and it is a blast
to row through the gears and cruise. Inside, there is cloth that at nearly 70,000
miles is intact and very comfortable. It's a great car minus the paint, that is the
only thing holding it down.Apr 21, 2012
by Matt A
Jan 29, 2010
We have a 2008 Compass FWD w/ the 2.0 4cyl engine. It has the Jatco CVT,
which is probably my least favorite part of the car. There is a lag with the CVT
when accelerating; the whole thing just feels unpolished. Also...why does a car
with only 158 hp have torque steer? Acceleration is only adequate, anyway.
It would probably be more peppy with the 2.4 4cyl and the 5 speed manual.
Handling is reasonable for a CUV...though there is a lot of road noise.
Build quality is just ok; there are a lot of cheap trim pieces. There are a
disconcerting number of rattles inside the car and it only has 30k miles. Not
good...
There is a good amount of room inside, considering it's not a very large car.
Jan 29, 2010
by Jessica N
Oct 19, 2009
Performance - Runs smoothly, accelerates easily, great
brakes
Build Quality - The door rattles because the automatic
windows were added after the car was made
Appearance - It's a hot car, I love it
Cost of Ownership - Worth every penny!
Fun Factor - It's a 4x4 so off-roading, here I come!Oct 19, 2009
by Sam L
Oct 13, 2009
My new Jeep is so cute...it just seems to look happy. CVT lags sometimes, but I like being able to manually control the ratios to get it to jump. Not enjoying the fact that I slip out on wet surfaces. Not even sure why this happens.Oct 13, 2009
by Luisito Z
Jul 20, 2009
Y like the 4x4 it´s good to d is not veri good but it works l is
not spensive it cost kcvnbifmnm m m myes it,s is j j j j jno in
not j j j j jJul 20, 2009
by Jonathan W
Jun 18, 2009
Before I knew all that much about American cars I thought this was the Wrangler's replacement. Well I was wrong since after driving it I knew exactly what this car is...a slightly bigger Caliber. There's absolutely nothing different between the two other than the badge and the body.
The interior is literally identical to the Caliber so its a bad interior. Its full of cheap plastic and has cheap seats.
To drive...its like a Caliber, slow. As a Jeep this one does not have off-road capabilities so its just a regular car. With the heavier body...all it does is consume more fuel than the already thirsty Caliber.
Save your money...if you want a Caliber buy a Caliber, or better yet just walk since you might get there quicker.Jun 18, 2009
by Darren G
Aug 21, 2008
This is the 2009 Jeep Compass Rallye Edition i'm driving now. The Rallye package just came out this year - 18" Black Aluminum Wheels, Chrome Exhaust, Body Kit and Rallye Fog Lights mounted on the top of the bumper.
It also has a moonroof, and the upgraded 9 Speaker Boston Acoustic System.
Great on gas, lots of room!Aug 21, 2008
by Chris J
Aug 01, 2008
Not very fast, but it handles great. Looks great. it's not like the other compasses you would have to see it. It looks customized but it's not it the rallye package that we boutght on it.. jds shdk sjh sjhf hfjs jfhd fhsm jhf m hj djhsd hjf hs heastAug 01, 2008
by Rolando A
Jun 13, 2008
it looks awesomeJun 13, 2008
by Nathanael D
Jun 05, 2008
Slow, alright looking car, i like the new car smellJun 05, 2008
by Mykola P
Jan 30, 2008
I like the overall car just the back is pretty tight.And not too much room in storage place in the back.Jan 30, 2008
What users have asked
Fuel tank
When I try to pump gas into my 2008 Jeep Compass the pump keeps shutting off as though the tank is full, but it's not full. I've gone to different gas stations, but still have the same problem. The inlet seems to be a bit loose for some reason, or at least it has a lot of play where I insert the pump nozzle into the tank. What's wrong?
1285 views
where to buy a good obd2 scanner?
I want to buy a scan tool to check and clear trouble codes on my JEEP. The mal-function lights are anoying. Anyone to have the experience? Please advise. I recently notice a store, obdprice.com and anyone purchased tools from it?
218 views
starter
Jeep ran fine yesterday. Today engine wont turn over. Lights, fan, radio, dash lights etc. all work. No clicking sound from cellinoid like it would if low battery.
18 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Jeep Compass?Compare this car
2008 Jeep Compass Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,475 to $22,255Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.12
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Grille color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Locks
Power door locks: speed sensitive central locking
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.12 · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Grille color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Locks
Power door locks: speed sensitive central locking
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · HD radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 2 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.12
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Grille color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bench · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · HD radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 66 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.12 · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Grille color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed